Florida primaries put Jewish politicians, Israel critics and antisemitism in spotlight

Florida's primary elections on Tuesday are poised to put a spotlight on Jewish politicians, critics of Israel, and the issue of antisemitism. As one of the last major states to hold its primaries, Florida's races are being closely watched by the Jewish community, which has a significant presence in the state.

The political landscape includes several competitive matchups that highlight divisions within the Republican party. Tensions are particularly evident between hardline pro-Israel figures and a growing contingent of individuals skeptical of Israel, some with ties to white nationalist circles. Additionally, redistricting efforts led by Republicans could impact the electoral prospects of pro-Israel Jewish Democrats.

A prominent storyline involves James Fishback, a gubernatorial candidate who has courted the "groyper" movement, associated with far-right figures like Nick Fuentes. Fishback has employed coded language and memes, raising alarms among Jewish conservatives and party elites. His campaign's focus on youth engagement has fueled concerns that antisemitism could become a foundational element for a new generation of right-wing voters.

Despite facing criticism and scandals, Fishback has polled in the double digits, leading some analysts to express alarm over even a strong performance, particularly among younger voters. While few expect him to win the primary against the Trump-endorsed frontrunner, US Rep. Byron Donalds, his campaign's trajectory underscores broader concerns about the rise of antisemitic rhetoric within certain political factions.

“

because it’s funny. Get a life.